EcoMed
EcoMed is an accessible system designed to safely manage unused and expired over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. It raises public awareness, provides a digital platform to manage medicines, and offers convenient medicine drop-off locations. By reimagining how expired medicines are handled, EcoMed introduces an innovative approach that empowers individuals to adopt sustainable practices.
Tools:
Rhino 3D, Keyshot,
Adobe Illustrator, Figma
Adobe InDesign, Imovie
Adobe Photoshop
Category:
Product Design
UI /UX Design
Design Research
Unused and expired medicines are often tossed in the trash or flushed infiltrating our ecosystem. This growing medicine footprint threatens biodiversity, endangers wildlife putting serious risks to human and environmental health.
Problem
Pharmaceutical pollution is a complex, systemic issue that cannot be solved with a single design solution. Through iterative exploration, the project revealed the need to move beyond a singular product alone and instead reimagine the entire system. This shift marked a critical turning point in developing a more holistic, impactful design approach.
Challenge
This system aims to reduce pharmaceutical contamination in the environment by raising awareness, providing accessible information, and offering convenient drop-off options, ensuring unused medicines are safely collected and managed through controlled facilities.
Solution
Problem
A common practice for managing unused and expired medicines is to toss them in the trash or flush them down the drain. These improper methods allow pharmaceutical residues to infiltrate our ecosystems, causing significant environmental harm. They threaten biodiversity, endanger wildlife, and pose serious risks to both human and environmental health.
decline incertain vulture species contributing to thousands of human deaths
90%
298
80%
different pharmaceutical compounds detected in lake environments
water streams contaminated with pharmaceutical compounds
Research Methodology
User Survyes
Observational Research
Case Studies
Academic Research
Expert Interviews
User Interviews
images blurred for privacy
Design Methodology
Expert Interviews
Geologist
Ecotoxiologist
Investigator in Ocean Pollution Unit
Specializing in chemical contaminants
Ecotoxiologist
Pharmacist Technician
Us Environmental Protection
Pharmacist
10 years in Hospitals
Synthesis
Problem Focus
01
Harmful OTC Medicines
02
Huge lack of Awareness
03
Lack of access in take back programs
Hospitals & 8 years in CVS
Design Direction
A system for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that encourages awareness, action and streams the process
Design Concept
EcoMed: An accessible system to safely manage unused and expired medicines
System
3 Key Components
01
Packaging Inserts
02
App
03
Medicine Drop Off
01
Packaging Inserts
These include educational inserts placed inside OTC medicine packaging. Each insert focuses on a specific environmental issue—such as soil contamination, the impact on aquatic life, and pharmaceutical residues found in drinking water. Users can scan a QR code on the insert to access additional information and resources.
02
EcoMed App
User Flow
The app is a core component of the system. It allows users to track their medications, receive expiration notifications, stay informed through educational news updates, locate nearby drop-off points, and track all the credits earned on drop-offs.
A journey map that illustrates how users interact and experience the product across different touchpoints.
Wireframe
A wireframe that defines the app’s structure and visual flow, incorporating rounded edges that visually connect with the overall design language of the system.
Final Design
Home
Displays the credits earned by the user for each successful medicine drop-off. It also shows available rewards, a scanning option for printed receipts, and a history of previously redeemed rewards.
News
Provides up-to-date information and articles about the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals, helping users stay informed and engaged.
Cabinet
This has as a personalized digital medicine tracker. It stores all medications added by the user, along with details such as purchase history, expiration dates, and dosage information. The app also sends personalized notifications to remind users when a medication is nearing its expiration, supporting responsible and timely medicine management.
Drop Off
The Drop-Off menu helps users locate the nearest medicine drop off units in pharmacies or supermarkets. It includes a step-by-step guide, available in both video and written formats, to walk users through the drop-off process. The screen also highlights important dos and don'ts to ensure safe and effective return, offering tips to make the experience clear and accessible.
Profile
The Profile menu displays the user’s account information and settings to personalize the app experience. As a unique feature, users can choose a profile icon representing different endangered species. This design choice is intended to emotionally connect users with the cause and inspire them to take action in protecting the environment.
03
Medicine Drop-off Units
The smart units will be installed in supermarkets and local pharmacies, and placed near pharmacy counters for easy navigation. Users can drop the medicines into these units and receive credits redeemable on future purchases as incentives.
